Replies

1. 
   davidbrum | May 15, 2009 04:59am | #1

   I'll jump in here. I just finished several pieces of furniture sprayed with latex. After some botched attempts, I talked to a pro who specializes in interior trim. He said that the only way to go is airless, with a very small tip.

   So off I went to Craigslist, where I found ####Spraytech sprayer for pretty cheap. You can also get one a Lowe's for $250 or so. You need a 4-0 tip, which I found at a paint store.

   I immediately got good results. The airless sprayer will shoot latex without thinning, so you aren't messing with the paint's chemistry. You also don't get as many runs. Most important, you don't need to put down nearly as many coats.

   There is still a learning curve. For instance, you must start and stop the gun off the work or you'll get splatter. It is also a good idea to spray horizontally as much as possible. Also, latex does not like high humidity or cold temps to cure properly.

   If you are so inclined, these things are all over craigslist. They are pretty cheap and you can always use them to paint the house.

   David B
2. 
   hdgis1 | May 15, 2009 04:59am | #2

   I just got the fuji mini mite 3 and have been spraying latex paint for the past couple weeks. Use the size four tip and all should be fine. Also need to add some flotrol. Can thin the paint as much as 10% as well. Amazon had it for $450ish at one point.

   Chris

3. 
   JohnWW | May 15, 2009 03:22pm | #3

   My expertise doesn't extend at all into spray systems, but it looks like you are already getting some help from people who can give you good advice.

   John W.

4. 
   SteveSchoene | May 15, 2009 04:55pm | #4

   Need some more info about what items you want to paint and why you mention wanting to spray latex paint.  Also, do you have a compressor of any sort?

   There are waterborne finishes that are designed to spray with HVLP type sprayers, while as was already mentioned, airless sprayers are the most effective with heavy body paints designed more for brushing. 

   I do assume you mention latex paint as a short hand for waterborne paints since acyrlic paint has replaced latex type paint except at the very lowest price points. 

   
   

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   Edited 5/15/2009 9:56 am ET by SteveSchoene

1. 
   saschafer | May 15, 2009 05:05pm | #5

   "Latex" hasn't been restricted to mean real, natural latex from plants for a long time. Nowadays, it just means a stable aqueous suspension of polymer particles. So modern paints are "acrylic latex."

   -Steve

    

1. 
   SteveSchoene | May 15, 2009 05:32pm | #6

   Exactly, but only the bottom end paints are still labeled latex paint.  The term latex continues in part because the little packets of polymer are called "latexes" analogous to the packets in the natural latex sap emulsion.  I tried to finesse that by saying "latex type" but obviously wasn't clear.  Paint isn't the place to save dollars. 

2. 
   arc_en_ciel | May 15, 2009 07:21pm | #7

   To answer your question; I wish to paint kitchen cabinet doors, using water-base  paint, I would also like to add a protective clear coat that adds a lot of shine (can you advise on what product is best for a top coat), I do have a compressor but it is way too small for that type of work.   Thanks for your input !!

1. 
   polarsea1 | May 15, 2009 08:03pm | #8

   GF Enduro waterborne acrylic comes in high gloss and Homestead can tint the white base to any custom color.  Save you a step.

2. 
   SteveSchoene | May 16, 2009 12:05am | #9

   PolarSea has given a good example of the type of finish I was referring to when I said it could be sprayed with HVLP equipment.  It is much lighter bodied than the paint you buy at the local hardware or at the borg so it sprays well, and dries quickly.  A clear coat would change the appearance, but not add to protective properties, the paint is just as durable as the clear coat would be. 

   I can't recommend particular HVLP systems, but their will be folks chiming in I hope.